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Justice Minister reappoints Chief Commissioner

Justice Minister Claire Sugden today announced the reappointment of Christine Glenn as Chief Commissioner of the Parole Commissioners for Northern Ireland.

As an independent body, the Commissioners role is to make decisions on the release or otherwise of those serving extended or indeterminate sentences and in relation to the revocation of licences. They may also recall to prison in cases where an offender is subject to post custody supervision.

Claire Sugden said: “I am grateful to Christine Glenn for her willingness to continue in the role as Chief Commissioner. The Parole Commissioners provide a critical and important contribution to the protection of the public. I am confident that under Christine’s direction the public will continue to have confidence in the competence and independence of the Parole Commissioners.”

Notes to editors:

The Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008 renamed the Life Sentence Review Commissioners (LSRC) as Parole Commissioners and introduced new public protection sentences.

The Commissioners role as an independent body of Commissioners is to make decisions on the release or otherwise of those serving extended or indeterminate sentences and in relation to the revocation of licences and recall to prison in cases where an offender is subject to post custody supervision.

Commissioners are appointed by the Minister of Justice under Schedule 4 of the 2008 Order. They serve in a part-time capacity and in accordance with the legislative requirements individual Commissioners have professional qualifications or experience in the legal, medical, criminological and rehabilitative fields.

The appointment process reflected the principles and practices of the Commissioner for Public Appointments Northern Ireland Code of Practice. Appointments were made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

Pen pictures of the Chief Commissioner and all existing Parole Commissioners are available on the Parole Commissioners website

All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office on 028 9052 6444. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.